Medical dressing system

ABSTRACT

A bandaging system relating to assisting improved wound compression, wound stability, and wound-management of wound sites and other wound care.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 61/470,377, filed Mar. 31, 2011,entitled “MEDICAL DRESSING SYSTEMS”; and, this application is related toand claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No.61/505,056, filed Jul. 6, 2011, entitled “MEDICAL DRESSING SYSTEMS, thecontents of all of which are incorporated herein by this reference andare not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present inventionby the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing a system relating to improvedmedical dressing systems. More particularly, this invention relates toproviding a system relating to an improvement in medical dressingtechniques, improved medical dressing materials, and wound care.

There are many difficulties relating to medical dressings, includingthose used post-operatively, those used for battlefield wounds, thoseused for sports injuries, and more particularly, those used followingbreast cancer mastectomy. For example, medical dressings usedpost-operatively may not provide proper external force to maintain theintegrity of incision lines such that suture material will not pull openas the patient moves. Furthermore, it is often difficult to determinewound conditions, such as, hemorrhaging and infection underneath medicaldressings. Further, there are instances when medicines need to beapplied to suture sites, and currently medical dressings must be removedprior to applying such medicine. Even further, surgical-drains and othermedical-monitoring devices are often required for post-operative care,and improved methods for accommodating such medical-monitoring deviceswith medical dressings are needed.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide asystem overcoming the above-mentioned problems.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system providing medical dressing for wrapping one or more woundslocated on a body part of a patient. It is a further object and featureof the present invention to provide a medical dressing system whichassists applying force to one or more wounds wrapped by the medicaldressing. It is a further object and feature of the present invention toprovide a medical dressing system which assists maintaining theintegrity of one or more sutures wrapped by the medical dressing.Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide amedical dressing system which assists preventing the opening of one ormore incision lines wrapped by the medical dressing. Another object andfeature of the present invention is to provide a medical dressing systemwith elastomeric properties which minimally interfere with the mobilityand breathability of a patient wrapped by the medical dressing.

It is another object and feature of the present invention is to providea medical dressing system comprising wicking properties to assistremoving exudates from one or more wounds wrapped by the medicaldressing. Yet another object and feature of the present invention is toprovide a medical dressing system comprising wicking properties toassist removing perspiration from one or more wound sites (and/or skin)wrapped by the medical dressing. Yet another object and feature of thepresent invention is to provide a medical dressing system with wickingproperties to assist delivering one or more medicinal healing agents(such as for example, antibiotics) to a wound site wrapped by themedical dressing.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to providesuch a system for wrapping one or more wounds with a medical dressing toassist healing of such wounds. It is a further object and feature of thepresent invention to provide such a system for wrapping the torso of apatient with a medical dressing to assist healing of one or morepost-mastectomy wounds. A further primary object and feature of thepresent invention is to provide such a system that is efficient,inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this inventionwill become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, relating to providing injury care for at least onewound located on at least one body part of at least one vertebrate lifeform, comprising: at least one wrapper structured and arranged to wrapthe at least one wound and the at least one body part; and wherein suchat least one wrapper comprises at least one exudate-transporterstructured and arranged to transport at least one body exudate away fromthe at least one wound and at least one wound site surrounding the atleast one wound; wherein such at least one wrapper further comprises atleast one exudate-absorber structured and arranged to absorb such atleast one body exudate transported away from the at least one wound andsuch at least one wound site by such at least one exudate-transporter;wherein such at least one wrapper further comprises torso-wrapability;wherein such at least one wrapper further comprises at least one uniterstructured and arranged to unite such at least one exudate-transporterand such at least one exudate-absorber; wherein such at least onewrapper, when wrapped around the at least one wound and the at least onebody part, provides injury care to the at least one wound.

Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such exudate-transportercomprises at least one first-exudate transporter and at least onesecond-exudate transporter each structured and arranged to transportsuch at least one body exudate away from the at least one wound and suchat least one wound site surrounding the at least one wound.Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising at least onedetectable-signal-generator structured and arranged to generate at leastone detectable signal in response to such at least one body exudate.Also, it provides such a system further comprising: at least oneexudate-identifier structured and arranged to identify such at least onebody exudate as at least one body exudate species; wherein such at leastone exudate-identifier comprises at least one distinct-signal-generatorstructured and arranged to generate at least one distinct such at leastone detectable signal correlated with such at least one body exudatespecies. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at leastone detectable signal comprises at least one visual indicationdetectable by the naked-eye. And, it provides such a system wherein suchat least one visual indication comprises at least one color change.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one wrapperfurther comprises at least one stretch-potential-provider structured andarranged to provide stretch potential to such at least one wrapper. Evenfurther, it provides such a system wherein such at least onestretch-potential-provider is further structured and arranged to permitat least resting-state breathability to the at least one vertebrate lifeform, when such at least one wrapper is wrapped around at least onetorso region of the at least one vertebrate life form.

Moreover, it provides such a system further comprising at least onehealing-agent-deliverer structured and arranged to deliver at least onehealing agent from at least one outer surface of such at least onewrapper to the at least one wound. Additionally, it provides such asystem wherein such at least one exudate-transporter comprises at leastone flow-assistor structured and arranged to assist flow of such atleast one body exudate away from the at least one wound and such atleast one wound site.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one flow-assistorcomprises: at least one first unidirectional-flow-assistor structuredand arranged to assist unidirectional flow of such at least one bodyexudate from the at least one wound to such at least one firstexudate-transporter; at least one intermediateunidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistunidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from such at leastone first exudate-transporter to such at least one exudate-absorber; atleast one second unidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged toassist unidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from suchat least one exudate-absorber to such at least one second-exudatetransporter; and at least one third unidirectional-flow-assistorstructured and arranged to assist unidirectional flow of such at leastone body exudate from such at least one second exudate-transporter to atleast one outer surface of such at least one wrapper.

In addition, it provides such a system further comprising at least oneadhesion-preventer structured and arranged to assist preventing at leastone adhesion event between such at least one wrapper and the at leastone wound. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneadhesion-preventer further comprises at least one skin-adhesionpreventer structured and arranged to assist preventing at least oneadhesion event between such at least one wrapper and at least one skinportion of the at least one vertebrate life form wrapped by such atleast one wrapper. Further, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one exudate-transporter further comprises at least oneperspiration-transporter structured and arranged to transportperspiration away from such at least one skin portion wrapped by such atleast one wrapper.

Even further, it provides such a system further comprising at least oneforce-applier structured and arranged to apply force to the at least onebody part wrapped by such at least one wrapper. Moreover, it providessuch a system wherein such at least one force-applier comprises at leastone suture-maintainer structured and arranged to assist maintaining theintegrity of at least one suture wrapped by such at least one wrapper.Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least oneforce-applier comprises at least one incision-opening-preventerstructured and arranged to assist preventing the opening of at least oneincision line wrapped by such at least one wrapper.

Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one wrapperfurther comprises at least one exudate-accumulation-indicator structuredand arranged to indicate accumulation of such at least one body exudateon at least one outer surface of such at least one wrapper. In addition,it provides such a system wherein such at least oneexudate-accumulation-indicator comprises at least onehemorrhage-indicator structured and arranged to indicate hemorrhaging ofsuch at least one vertebrate life form. And, it provides such a systemfurther comprising at least one fastener structured and arranged tofasten such at least one wrapper in at least one wrapped arrangement.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one fastenercomprises at least one first fastener structured and arranged to fastensuch at least one wrapper in at least one intermediate wrappedarrangement. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such atleast one fastener further comprises at least one second fastenerstructured and arranged to fasten such at least one wrapper in at leastone final wrapped arrangement. Moreover, it provides such a systemwherein such at least one fastener comprises at least one hook and loopfastener. Additionally, it provides such a system further comprising atleast one container structured and arranged to contain at least onemedical care item. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at leastone medical care item comprises at least one surgical-drain. Inaddition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one containercomprises at least one third fastener structured and arranged to fastensuch at least one container to such at least one wrapper at at least oneuser-selected location.

And, it provides such a system further comprising at least onedrain-tube-position-maintainer structured and arranged to maintain atleast one drain tube of such at least one surgical drain in at least oneuser-selected position. Further, it provides such a system wherein suchat least one third fastener comprises at least one hook and loopfastener.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a kit, relating to providing injury care for at least one woundlocated on at least one body part of at least one vertebrate life form,comprising: at least one medical dressing structured and arranged towrap the at least one wound located on the at least one body part; atleast one instruction set providing at least one set of instructions forusing such at least one medical dressing; wherein such at least onemedical dressing comprises at least one first exudate-transporterstructured and arranged to transport at least one body exudate away fromthe at least one wound and at least one wound site surrounding the atleast one wound, at least one exudate-absorber structured and arrangedto absorb such at least one body exudate away from such at least onefirst exudate-transporter, at least one second exudate-transporterstructured and arranged to transport such at least one exudate away fromsuch at least one exudate-absorber, and torso-wrapability; wherein suchat least one medical dressing, when wrapped around the at least one bodypart in at least one wrapped arrangement, provides injury care to the atleast one wound.

Even further, it provides such a kit wherein such at least oneinstruction set describes a method, relating to wrapping the at leastone wound in such at least one wrapped arrangement, comprising the stepsof: placing at least one first terminal edge of the at least one medicaldressing above at least one umbilicus area located on at least oneabdominal region of the at least one vertebrate life form; aligning suchat least one first terminal edge of the at least one medical dressingparallel to at least one vertical axis running parallel to at least onesagittal plane running vertically through the center of the at least onevertebrate life form; firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross such at least one abdominal region and toward at least one dorsalside of the at least one torso region; continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across at least one lower back region andtowards at least one ventral side of the at least one torso region;continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontally acrosssuch at least one abdominal region, completing at least one completeturn of the at least one medical dressing around at least one lowertorso region of the at least one vertebrate life form; fastening the atleast one medical dressing at at least one first fastening position,situate about above such at least one umbilicus area, with at least onefirst fastener; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,upward at an angle of from about forty degrees to about fifty degreesfrom such at least one first fastening position and across at least onebreast portion of the at least one vertebrate life form; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least on vertical axis, under at least one axilla of the atleast one vertebrate life form, and toward such at least one dorsalside; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross at least one upper back portion of the at least one vertebratelife form; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, under at leastone opposing axilla of the at least one vertebrate life form and towardsuch at least one ventral side; continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, downward at an angle of from about thirty degrees toabout fifty degrees from such at least one opposing axilla, across atleast one opposing breast portion of the at least one vertebrate lifeform, and towards such at least one dorsal side; continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, horizontally across at least one middleback portion of the at least one vertebrate life form and toward such atleast one ventral side; continuing firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, upward at an angle of from about forty degrees to about fiftydegrees from under such at least one opposing breast portion and acrosssuch at least one breast portion; continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, under such at least one axilla and toward such at leastone dorsal side; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,horizontally across such at least one upper back portion; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, under such at least one opposingaxilla and towards such at least one ventral side; continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle of from aboutthirty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least one opposingaxilla, across such at least opposing breast portion, and towards suchat least one dorsal side; and fastening at least one second terminaledge of the at least one medical dressing, with at least one secondfastener, at at least one second fastening position located on the atleast one wrapped arrangement situate about such at least one lowertorso region; wherein the at least one wrapped arrangement, formed bythe method, provides mechanical force to compress the at least one woundcovered by the at least one wrapped arrangement to assist healing of theat least one wound, while maintaining the mobility and breathability ofthe at least one vertebrate life form.

Moreover, it provides such a kit further comprising: at least onecontainer structured and arranged to contain at least onesurgical-drain; wherein such at least one container comprises at leastone fastener structured and arranged to fasten such at least onecontainer to such at least one medical dressing. Additionally, itprovides such a kit wherein such at least one instruction set comprisesat least one instruction booklet. Also, it provides such a kit whereinsuch at least one instruction set comprises at least one compact-disc.In addition, it provides such a kit wherein such at least oneinstruction set is readable over the internet.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a method, relating to wrapping at least one wound, located onat least one torso region of at least one vertebrate life form, with atleast one medical dressing in at least one wrapped arrangement,comprising the steps of: placing at least one first terminal edge of theat least one medical dressing above at least one umbilicus area locatedon at least one abdominal region of the at least one vertebrate lifeform; aligning such at least one first terminal edge of the at least onemedical dressing parallel to at least one vertical axis running parallelto at least one sagittal plane running vertically through the center ofthe at least one vertebrate life form; firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, horizontally across such at least one abdominal region and towardat least one dorsal side of the at least one torso region; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, horizontally across at least onelower back region and towards at least one ventral side of the at leastone torso region; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,horizontally across such at least one abdominal region, completing atleast one complete turn of the at least one medical dressing around atleast one lower torso region of the at least one vertebrate life form;fastening the at least one medical dressing at at least one firstfastening position, situate about above such at least one umbilicusarea, with at least one first fastener; continuing firmly wrapping theat least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at leastone vertical axis, upward at an angle of from about forty degrees toabout fifty degrees from such at least one first fastening position andacross at least one breast portion of the at least one vertebrate lifeform; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least on vertical axis, under at leastone axilla of the at least one vertebrate life form, and toward such atleast one dorsal side; continuing firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, horizontally across at least one upper back portion of the atleast one vertebrate life form; continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, under at least one opposing axilla of the at least onevertebrate life form and toward such at least one ventral side;continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle offrom about thirty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least oneopposing axilla, across at least one opposing breast portion of the atleast one vertebrate life form, and towards such at least one dorsalside; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross at least one middle back portion of the at least one vertebratelife form and toward such at least one ventral side; continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from about fortydegrees to about fifty degrees from under such at least one opposingbreast portion and across such at least one breast portion; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, under such at least one axilla andtoward such at least one dorsal side; continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across such at least one upper back portion;continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, under such at least oneopposing axilla and towards such at least one ventral side; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle of from aboutthirty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least one opposingaxilla, across such at least opposing breast portion, and towards suchat least one dorsal side; and fastening at least one second terminaledge of the at least one medical dressing, with at least one secondfastener, at at least one second fastening position located on the atleast one wrapped arrangement situate about such at least one lowertorso region; wherein the at least one wrapped arrangement, formed bythe method, provides mechanical force to compress the at least one woundcovered by the at least one wrapped arrangement to assist healing of theat least one wound, while maintaining the mobility and breathability ofthe at least one vertebrate life form.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a method, relating to wrapping at least one wound located on atleast one body part, divided into at least one first body section and atleast one second body section by at least one coronal plane runningvertically through the center of the at least one body part, of at leastone vertebrate life form with at least one medical dressing to form atleast one wrapped arrangement, comprising the steps of: aligning atleast one first terminal edge of the at least one medical dressingparallel to at least one vertical axis running vertically through thecenter of the at least one body part; firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, horizontally across at least one the first body section;continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontally across theat least one second body section; continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across such at least one first body section,creating at least one complete turn around the at least one body part;fastening the at least one medical dressing, with at least one firstfastener, at at least one first fastening position situate about such atleast one first terminal edge; continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, upward at an angle of from about forty degrees to aboutfifty degrees from such at least one first fastening position across theat least one first body section; continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across the at least one second body section;continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle offrom about thirty degrees to about fifty degrees across the at least onefirst body section; continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,horizontally across the at least one second body section; continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from aboutforty degrees to about fifty degrees across the at least one first bodysection; continuing firmly wrapping the at least on medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross the at least one second body section; continuing firmly wrappingthe at least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such atleast one vertical axis, downward at an angle of from about thirtydegrees to about fifty degrees across the at least one first bodysection; and fastening at least one second terminal edge of the at leastone medical dressing with at least one second fastener on the at leastone wrapped arrangement; wherein the at least one wrapped arrangement,formed by the method, provides mechanical force to compress at least onewound covered by the at least one medical dressing to assist healing ofthe at least one wound, while maintaining the mobility and breathabilityof the at least one vertebrate life form.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, relating to providing injury care for at least onewound located on at least one body part of at least one vertebrate lifeform, comprising: wrapper means for wrapping the at least one wound andthe at least one body part; wherein such wrapper means comprisesexudate-transporter means for transporting at least one body exudateaway from the at least one wound and at least one wound site surroundingthe at least one wound; wherein such wrapper means comprisesexudate-absorber means for absorbing such at least one body exudatetransported away from the at least one wound and such at least one woundsite by such exudate-transporter means; wherein such wrapper meansfurther comprises torso-wrapability; wherein such wrapper meanscomprises uniter means for uniting such exudate-transporter means andsuch exudate-absorber means; and, wherein such wrapper means, whenwrapped around the at least one body part, assists providing injury careto the at least one wound. And, it provides such a system wherein suchexudate-transporter means comprises first-exudate transporter means.Further, it provides such a system further comprisingdetectable-signal-generator means for generating at least one detectablesignal in response to such at least one body exudate. Even further, itprovides such a system further comprising: exudate-identifier means foridentifying such at least one body exudate as at least one body exudatespecies; wherein such at least one exudate-identifier comprises at leastone distinct-signal-generator structured and arranged to generate atleast one distinct such at least one detectable signal correlated withsuch at least one body exudate species.

Even further, it provides such a system further comprisingstretch-potential-provider means for providing stretch potential to suchat least one wrapper means. Even further, it provides such a systemfurther comprising healing-agent-deliverer means for delivering at leastone healing agent from at least one outer surface of such wrapper meansto the at least one wound. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such exudate-transporter means comprises flow-assistor means forassisting flow of such at least one body exudate away from the at leastone wound and such at least one wound site. Even further, it providessuch a system wherein such flow-assistor means comprises: firstunidirectional-flow-assistor means for assisting unidirectional flow ofsuch at least one body exudate from the at least one wound to such firstexudate-transporter means; intermediate unidirectional-flow-assistormeans for assisting unidirectional flow of such at least one bodyexudate from such first exudate-transporter means to suchexudate-absorber means; second unidirectional-flow-assistor means forassisting unidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate fromsuch exudate-absorber means to such second exudate-transporter means;and third unidirectional-flow-assistor means for assisting flow of suchat least one body exudate from such second exudate-transporter to atleast one outer surface of such wrapper means. Even further, it providessuch a system further comprising adhesion-preventer means for assistingpreventing at least one adhesion event between such wrapper means andthe at least one wound. Even further, it provides such a system whereinsuch adhesion-preventer means comprises skin-adhesion preventer meansfor assisting preventing at least one adhesion event between suchwrapper means and at least one skin portion of the at least onevertebrate life form wrapped by such wrapper means.

Even further, it provides such a system wherein such exudate-transportermeans further comprises perspiration-transporter means for transportingperspiration away from such at least one skin portion wrapped by suchwrapper means. Even further, it provides such a system furthercomprising force-applier means for applying force to the at least onebody part wrapped by such wrapper means. Even further, it provides sucha system wherein such force-applier means comprises suture-maintainermeans for assisting maintaining the integrity of at least one suturewrapped by such wrapper means. Even further, it provides such a systemwherein such force-applier means comprises incision-opening-preventermeans for assisting preventing opening of at least one incision linewrapped by such wrapper means.

Even further, it provides such a system further comprisingexudate-accumulation-indicator means for indicating accumulation of atleast one body exudate on at least one outer surface of such wrappermeans. Even further, it provides such a system wherein suchexudate-accumulation-indicator means comprises hemorrhage-indicatormeans for indicating hemorrhaging of such at least one vertebrate lifeform. Even further, it provides such a system further comprisingfastener means for fastening such wrapper means in at least one wrappedarrangement. Even further, it provides such a system wherein suchfastener means comprises first fastener means for fastening such wrappermeans in at least one intermediate wrapped arrangement. Even further, itprovides such a system wherein such fastener means further comprisessecond fastener means for fastening such wrapper means in at least onefinal wrapped arrangement. Even further, it provides such a systemfurther comprising container means for containing at least one surgicaldrain. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such containermeans comprises third fastener means for fastening such container meansto such wrapper means. Even further, it provides such a system furthercomprising drain-tube-position-maintainer means for maintaining at leastone drain tube of such at least one surgical drain in at least oneuser-selected position.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this inventionprovides a system, relating to providing injury care for at least onewound located on at least one body part of at least one vertebrate lifeform, comprising: wrapper means for wrapping the at least one wound andthe at least one body part; and transporter means for transporting atleast one body exudate away from the at least one wound and at least onewound site surrounding the at least one wound; wherein such transportermeans comprises first transporter means and second transporter means fortransporting at least one body exudate away from the at least one woundand at least one wound site surrounding the at least one wound; firstgeometry means for providing such wrapper means with such transportermeans; absorber means for absorbing such at least one body exudatetransported away from the at least one wound and such at least one woundsite by such transporter means; second geometry means for providing suchwrapper means with such absorber means; wherein such wrapper meanscomprises third geometry means for providing such wrapper means withtorso-wrapability; and uniter means for uniting such transporter means,such first geometry means, such absorber means, such second geometrymeans, and such third geometry means wherein such wrapper means, whenwrapped around the at least one body part, assists providing injury careto the at least one wound.

In addition, this invention provides every novel feature, element,combination, step and/or method suggested by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view, illustrating a medical dressing of themedical dressing systems, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2A shows a front view, illustrating a bandage of the medicaldressing systems, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B shows a sectional view, through the section 2B-2B of FIG. 2A,illustrating multiple layers of the bandage, according to the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C shows a sectional view, through the section 2C-2C of FIG. 2A,illustrating dispersion of a chemical alert substance throughout thebandage, according to an alternately preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A shows a front view, illustrating a pocket of the medicaldressing, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B shows a rear view, illustrating the pocket of the medicaldressing, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C shows a sectional view, through the section 3C-3C of FIG. 3A,illustrating attachment of the pocket to the bandage using securingstrips, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A shows a front view, illustrating a first wrapping step of awrapping technique of medical dressing systems, according the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B shows a rear view, illustrating the first wrapping step of thewrapping technique of medical dressing systems, according the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A shows a front view, illustrating a second wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B shows a rear view, illustrating the second wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A shows a front view, illustrating a third wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B shows a rear view, illustrating the third wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A shows a front view, illustrating a fourth wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B shows a rear view, illustrating the fourth wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8A shows a front view, illustrating a fifth wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B shows a rear view, illustrating a fifth wrapping step of thewrapping technique, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows perspective views, illustrating a wound management kit ofmedical dressing systems, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THEINVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating medical dressing 103 ofmedical dressing systems 100, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Medical dressing 103 preferably provides woundmanagement to at least one patient 102 (see further details below). Inuse, medical dressing 103 (at least embodying herein at least onewrapper structured and arranged to wrap the at least one wound and theat least one body part; and at least embodying herein wrapper means forwrapping the at least one wound and the at least one body part)preferably is wrapped around at least one body part of patient 102comprising at least one wound (hereinafter such at least one wound isreferred to as “a wound”), preferably covering such at least one bodypart of patient 102, as shown. Patient 102 preferably comprises a humanin need of wound management for a wound, as shown. Alternatelypreferably, patient 102 preferably comprises at least one vertebratelife form in need of wound management for a wound (such as, for example,dogs, cats, horses and other such animals). A wound, as describedherein, preferably comprises: at least one post-operative mastectomywound; alternately preferably, at least one post-operative cosmeticsurgery wound; alternately preferably, at least one post-operativesuture; alternately preferably, at least one post-operative incision;alternately preferably, at least one sports injury, alternatelypreferably, at least one bone injury, alternately preferably, at leastone muscle injury; alternately preferably at least one soft-tissueinjury; alternately preferably, at least one internal injury;alternately preferably, at least one injury occurring during combatsituations. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skillin the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preference, userneeds, etc., other types of wounds, such as, for example, burns,inflammations, post-lumpectomy wounds, any type of wound resulting inbroken skin, bruises, etc., may suffice.

A wound, as described herein, preferably is localized to at least onewound site (hereinafter such at least one wound site is referred to as“a wound site”). A wound site, as described herein, preferably comprisesa wound and the affected adjacent surrounding tissues (skin and fur, asapplicable) surrounding a wound.

Medical dressing 103 preferably is structured and arranged to wrap suchat least one body part comprising a wound (hereinafter such at least onebody part is referred to as “a body part”). A body part, as describedherein, preferably comprises at least one region of torso 110, as shown.Alternately preferably, a body part preferably comprises at least oneappendage of patient 102, alternately preferably at least one neckportion of patient 102, alternately preferably at least one hand ofpatient 102, alternately preferably at least one foot of patient 102,alternately preferably at least one shoulder of patient 102, alternatelypreferably the head of patient 102. Upon reading this specification,those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, user needs, etc., other body parts, such as, forexample, knees, elbows, waist, fingers, multiple body parts, etc., maysuffice.

Wound management, as described herein, preferably comprises providingsufficient mechanical force, through compression to a wound site, topromote healing of a wound of patient 102, while preferably maintainingthe comfort, mobility, and breathability of patient 102. Woundmanagement, as described herein, further comprises assisting promotingwound stability, assisting maintaining wound integrity, assistingpromoting suture integrity, assisting soft tissue stability, assistinghemodynamic stability (blood flow), assisting edema reduction, andassisting maintaining proper blood circulation. In addition, woundmanagement, as described herein, preferably further comprises assistingmaintaining the integrity of sutures and incision lines, even whilepatient 102 breathes and moves.

Wound management, as described herein, further comprises assistingtransporting wound exudates away from a wound site (see further detailsbelow). Wound exudates, as described herein, preferably comprise blood,alternately preferably infectious drainage, alternately preferablylymph, alternately preferably serous fluids, alternately preferablyother drainage, alternately preferably other biological fluids or wasteproducts capable of being released from such at least one wound site,alternately preferably at least one mixture of any of the abovedescribed wound exudate compositions.

Furthermore, wound management, as described herein, preferably comprisesassisting transporting perspiration away from a body part covered bymedical dressing 103, including perspiration from a wound site as wellas perspiration from the skin covered by medical dressing 103. Suchassisting transporting wound exudates and perspiration away from a woundsite and/or the skin covered by medical dressing 103 preferably occursby at least one wicking action of medical dressing 103 (see furtherdetails below). Such assisting transporting wound exudates andperspiration away from a wound site and/or the skin covered by medicaldressing 103 preferably at least assists to minimize the level ofbacteria on the skin surface covered by medical dressing 103. Inaddition, such assisting transporting perspiration away from a wound sitand/or the skin covered by medical dressing 103 preferably assistsmaintaining the body warmth of patient 102. In addition, such assistingtransporting wound exudates and perspiration away from a wound siteand/or the skin covered by medical dressing 103 preferably furtherassists keeping patient 102 comfortable and dry.

Wound management, when applied to sports-related injuries, furthercomprises assisting athletic participation of patient 102 and minimizing“down time”. More particularly, medical dressing 103 preferably assistspatient 102 to return to athletic participation by stabilizing a woundwith a non-cumbersome wrap which minimally interferes with the mobilityof patient 102.

Wound management, as described herein, further comprises allowing earlydetection of certain problems associated with the healing process, suchas infections, hemorrhaging conditions, or other complications resultingfrom injuries or surgical procedures (see further details below).

Wound management, as described herein, further comprises assistingdelivering of at least one healing agent (hereinafter referred to as “ahealing agent”) to a wound covered by medical dressing 103. Suchassisting delivering of a medicine or a healing agent preferably doesnot require the removal of medical dressing 103, and preferably occursby the wicking action of medical dressing 103 (see further detailsbelow).

Medical dressing 103 preferably comprises at least one bandage 120, asshown. Bandage 120 preferably is structured and arranged to wrap atleast one wound, as shown. Medical dressing 103 preferably optionallycomprises at least one pocket 140, as shown. Pocket 140 preferably isstructured and arranged to contain at least one surgical drain assembly160, as shown (this arrangement at least embodying herein at least onecontainer structured and arranged to contain at least one medical careitem). Alternately preferably, pocket 140 preferably is structured andarranged to contain a medicine, alternately preferably a healing agent,alternately preferably at least one other medical care item. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other medical care items, suchas, for example, bandages, medical supplies, etc., may suffice. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other pocket arrangements, suchas, for example, multiple pockets for multiple surgical drains, multiplepockets for various medical care items, etc., may suffice.

Bandage 120 preferably is wrapped around a body part requiring woundmanagement, as shown. Bandage 120 preferably is easily removed duringchanging, adjusting, or treating patient 102 and preferably does notstick to a wound site or the skin of patient 102 causing discomfort topatient 102 (this arrangement at least embodying herein at least oneadhesion-preventer structured and arranged to assist preventing at leastone adhesion event between such at least one wrapper and the at leastone wound; and this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein suchat least one adhesion-preventer further comprises at least oneskin-adhesion preventer structured and arranged to assist preventing atleast one adhesion event between such at least one wrapper and at leastone skin portion of the at least one vertebrate life form wrapped bysuch at least one wrapper). The composition of bandage 120 is describedin greater detail below.

Pocket 140 preferably is manufactured separately from bandage 120.Pocket 140 preferably is attached to bandage 120 by at least onesecuring member 152 (see FIG. 3B and further details below). Pocket 140preferably may be removably attached (detachable) from bandage 120.Pocket 140 preferably may be attached to bandage 120 at anyuser-selected position. The attachment site for pocket 140 preferably isselectable to assist medical treatment of patient 102 according totreatment strategies and the wound management needs of patient 102.

Pocket 140 preferably is structured and arrangement to support at leastone surgical drain assembly 160, as shown. Surgical drain assembly 160preferably is structured and arranged to collect pus, blood, other woundexudates, or other biological fluids released from a wound. Surgicaldrain assembly 160 preferably comprises at least one drain 162 and atleast one drain tubing 164, as shown. Drain tubing 164 preferablyinserts into or adjacent a wound in order to preferably capture pus,blood, other wound exudates, or other biological fluids being releasedfrom a wound. Such biological fluids preferably pass from a woundthrough drain tubing 164 for subsequent collection in drain 162.Surgical drain assembly 160 preferably comprises a plurality ofavailable medical surgical drain assemblies comprising tubing. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences,cost, structural requirements, available materials, technologicaladvances, etc., other drainage arrangements such as, for example, directdrainage with no tubing, suction devices, absorptive collecting devices,etc., may suffice.

Bandage 120 preferably comprises at least one portal 122, as shown.Portal 122 (at least embodying herein at least onedrain-tube-position-maintainer structured and arranged to maintain atleast one drain tube of such at least one surgical drain in at least oneuser-selected position) preferably is employed to assist maintainingdrain tubing 164 in position, as shown. In addition, portal 122preferably is employed to assist preventing drain tubing 164 fromdislodging from a wound. In addition, portal 122 preferably is employedto assist preventing drain tubing 164 from shifting within a wound anddisturbing a wound. Drain tubing 164 preferably is inserted throughportal 122 of bandage 120, as shown. Portal 122 preferably comprises atleast one aperture in bandage 120, alternately preferably at least oneeyelet in bandage 120, alternately preferably at least one slit inbandage 120, as shown. Portal 122 preferably is created by patient 102,or at least one caretaker of patient 102, by cutting bandage 120 at atleast one preferred position. Alternately preferably, bandage 120preferably is manufactured with at least one portal 122. Upon readingthis specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will nowappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otherarrangements for maintaining surgical drain assembly 160 in position,such as, for example, clips, clasps, adhesive tape, hook and loopfasteners, other fastening arrangements, etc., may suffice.

Medical dressing 103 preferably may be optionally employed to deliver ahealing agent to a wound site wrapped by medical dressing 103. Moreparticularly, a healing agent preferably may be applied to at least oneouter surface 125 of medical dressing 103 covering a wound site,preferably allowing a healing agent to be delivered to a wound site bythe wicking action of medical dressing 103 (this arrangement at leastembodying herein at least one healing-agent-deliverer structured andarranged to deliver at least one healing agent from at least one outersurface of such at least one wrapper to the at least one wound). Ahealing agent preferably comprises at least one water-solubleantibacterial/antimicrobial treatment, alternatively preferably at leastone water-soluble medication. The above described arrangement preferablyallows patient 102, or at least one caretaker of patient 102, to apply ahealing agent to a wound site without having to un-wrap medical dressing103 once applied to patient 102, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, user needs, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, wound site, wound type,etc., other healing agent application arrangements, such as, forexample, bandage-embedded medications placed directly against a wound,etc., may suffice.

Medical dressing 103 preferably is manufactured and available toconsumers in a variety of colors, such as, for example, flesh-tone forstandard use, pink for breast cancer patients (post-mastectomypatients), purple for Crohn's patients, red for heart-related woundmanagement, as well as other colors associated with other diseases orinjuries. Colors for medical dressing 103 preferably are used to assistempowerment of medical dressing 103 users in a more positive mannerthroughout all phases of healing and, to preferably assist users to feelmore capable in the ability to take care of their own needs. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, manufacturer preference,structural requirements, available materials, etc., other medicaldressing design arrangements, such as, for example, other colors,designs, patterns, prints, etc., may suffice.

In addition, medical dressing 103 preferably is manufactured and madeavailable in a variety of sport colors to simulate team or individualuniform colors as well as bold colors, if employed for wound managementof sports-related injuries. Such sport colors preferably comprise brightcolors to preferably assist empowering athletes to perform despite aninjury. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill inthe art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preference,manufacturer preference, structural requirements, available materials,etc., other medical dressing design arrangements, such as, for example,other colors, designs, patterns, prints, etc., may suffice.

Medical dressing 103 preferably is at least employed for woundmanagement, preferably torso wound management, preferably chest woundmanagement, preferably post-operative mastectomy wound management.Mastectomy, as described herein, preferably comprises any type ofmastectomy of one or both breasts, preferably comprising any type offull or partial mastectomy, radical or modified radical mastectomy, orskin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy.

When employed for post-operative mastectomy wound management, bandage120 of medical dressing 103 preferably is wrapped around torso 110 in atleast one chest-wrap arrangement 105, as shown in FIG. 1. At least onewrapping technique 200 preferably is employed to wrap bandage 120 aroundtorso 110 of patient 102 preferably forming chest-wrap arrangement 105(see FIG. 4A through FIG. 8B and further details below) (thisarrangement at least herein embodying wherein such at least one wrapperfurther comprises torso-wrapability; and this arrangement at leastherein embodying wherein such wrapper means further comprisestorso-wrapability). According to wrapping technique 200, bandage 120preferably is wrapped around torso 110 multiple times in a circularfashion, preferably from ventral side 172 of torso 110 (see FIG. 4A) todorsal side 174 of torso 110 (see FIG. 4B) and finally secured (see FIG.4A through FIG. 8B and further details below). Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otherwrap arrangements such as, for example, dorsal to ventral, etc., maysuffice.

In chest-wrap arrangement 105, medical dressing 103 preferably assistspost-operative breast augmentation. Furthermore, in chest-wraparrangement 105, medical dressing 103 preferably assists post-operativewound reduction resulting from mastectomy procedures. In chest-wraparrangement 105, medical dressing 103 preferably supplies sufficientmechanical force to compress a wound site to preferably assist promotinghealing of a wound (this arrangement at least embodying herein at leastone force-applier structured and arranged to apply force to the at leastone body part wrapped by such at least one wrapper). More particularly,medical dressing 103, when wrapped in chest-wrap arrangement 105,preferably supplies sufficient external force around torso 110 to assistmaintaining the integrity of and to assist preventing the opening ofsurgical incision lines, sutures, and stitches resulting frompost-mastectomy procedures (this arrangement at least herein embodyingwherein such at least one force-applier comprises at least onesuture-maintainer structured and arranged to assist maintaining theintegrity of at least one suture wrapped by such at least one wrapper;and this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein such at least oneforce-applier comprises at least one incision-opening-preventerstructured and arranged to assist preventing the opening of at least oneincision line wrapped by such at least one wrapper). Furthermore, inchest-wrap arrangement 105, medical dressing 103 preferably assistsmaintaining the comfort and mobility of patient 102. In chest-wraparrangement 105, medical dressing 103 preferably does not interfere withthe ability of patient 102 to breathe and make body movements.Furthermore, in chest-wrap arrangement 105, medical dressing 103preferably allows patient 102 to rotate the shoulders or waist whilepreferably minimally disrupting the integrity of surgical incisionlines, sutures, and stitches. In addition, in chest-wrap arrangement105, medical dressing 103 preferably will not easily self-loosen,preferably even when employed on a persistent vertebrate animal. Themanner in which bandage 120 is wrapped and secured around torso 110 inchest-wrap arrangement 105 according to wrapping technique 200 isdescribed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2A shows a front view, illustrating bandage 120 of medical dressing103, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Bandage 120preferably comprises elastomeric properties, preferably enabling bandage120 to be stretched and wrapped around a body part of patient 102, asshown in FIG. 1 (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein suchat least one wrapper further comprises at least onestretch-potential-provider structured and arranged to provide stretchpotential to such at least one wrapper). In addition, the elastomericproperties of bandage 120 preferably minimally interfere with thephysical mobility of patient 102. Furthermore, the elastomericproperties of bandage 120 preferably permit the breathing of patient 102(this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein such at least onestretch-potential-provider is further structured and arranged to permitat least resting-state breathability to the at least one vertebrate lifeform, when such at least one wrapper is wrapped around at least onetorso region of the at least one vertebrate life form). The elastomericproperties of bandage 120 preferably are provided by at least oneelastomeric material. Such at least one elastomeric material preferablycomprises at least one polyurethane-based elastomer, alternatelypreferably at least one polyester-based elastomer, alternatelypreferably at least one olefin-based elastomer, alternately preferablyat least one polyamide-based elastomer, alternately preferably at leastone vinyl-based elastomer. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreference, manufacturer preference, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other elastomeric materials,such as, for example, other polymeric materials, other natural orsynthetic materials, mixtures of elastomeric materials, etc., maysuffice.

Bandage 120 preferably comprises sufficient strength to preferablyprovide sufficient force to a wound site in order to assist preventingthe opening of sutures or incision lines wrapped by bandage 120. Inaddition, bandage 120 preferably comprises at least one hypoallergenicmaterial for assisting minimizing any allergic response experienced bypatient 102. In addition, bandage 120 preferably comprises at least onematerial to assist preventing bandage 120 from sticking to a wound siteor the skin wrapped by bandage 120. Such at least one material maycomprise, for example, at least one fluoropolymer coating such asTeflon®, or at least one silicone material.

Bandage 120 preferably is washable such that bandage 120 preferably canbe reused. Furthermore, bandage 120 preferably is lightweight andnon-cumbersome in order to preferably minimally interfere with thephysical mobility of patient 102. Other preferred properties of bandage120 will be described in further detail below. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, manufacturer preference, structuralrequirements, available materials, etc., other material arrangements,such as, for example, bandage materials with antimicrobial properties,biodegradable materials, disposable materials, etc., may suffice.

Bandage 120 preferably is secured in a desired wrapped arrangement, suchas chest-wrap arrangement 105, using at least one fastening arrangement,preferably at least one hook and loop fastening arrangement. Alternatelypreferably, bandage 120 may comprise self-adhering properties forholding bandage 120 in such at least one fastening arrangement. Bandage120 preferably comprises at least one first securing member 132 affixedon one end of bandage 120 and at least one second securing member 134affixed on an opposite end of bandage 120, as shown. First securingmember 132 preferably is oriented towards front side 133 of bandage 120,as shown. Second securing member 134 preferably is oriented towards theback side of bandage 120, as shown.

First securing member 132 and second securing member 134 preferably arecapable of releasably adhering to bandage 120 to secure bandage 120 byat least one hook and loop fastening arrangement. In the above describedsecuring arrangement, first securing member 132 and second securingmember 134 preferably comprise hook fasteners and bandage 120 preferablycomprises a loop fastener. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreference, user needs, structural requirements, available materials,technological advances, etc., other fastening arrangements, such as, forexample, self-adhering materials, clips, clasps, adhesive tape, pins,other fasteners, other hook and loop fastening arrangements, etc., maysuffice.

Bandage 120 preferably comprises a compact size, preferably enablingbandage 120 to be easily carried by patient 102, caretakers, health careprofessionals, emergency workers, athletes, or soldiers in a battlefieldsituation. Bandage 120 preferably comprises a length of from aboutthirty inches to about eighty inches, as shown by dimension B in FIG.2A. Bandage 120 preferably comprises a width of from about three inchesto about six inches, as shown by dimension A in FIG. 2A. Moreparticularly, bandage 120 preferably is available in three, four, five,and six inch widths, as shown by dimension A. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, structural requirements, availablematerials, user size, wound type, wound site, etc., other bandage sizes,such as, for example, other lengths, other widths, etc., may suffice.

For a particular application, such as a particular wound-type and woundsite, bandage 120 preferably requires less material (shorter length)than a typical compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage).Accordingly, bandage 120 preferably does not need to be wrapped as manytimes around a wound site as would be required by a typical compressionbandage. Therefore, the force applied through compression in wrappingthe wound site with bandage 120 will be less than the force exertedthrough compression in wrapping a wound site with a typical compressionbandage. This reduced force preferably assists reducing the risk ofdamage to wound tissue and preferably assists reducing the risk oftissue necrosis or other factors that would hinder wound management andthe healing process.

FIG. 2B shows a sectional view, through the section 2B-2B of FIG. 2A,according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Bandage 120 preferablycomprises a plurality of layers 117, preferably three layers 117, asshown. Layers 117 preferably comprise at least one body layer 124, atleast one inner layer 126, and at least one outer layer 128, as shown.Body layer 124, inner layer 126, and outer layer 128 preferably are indirect contact and preferably are united in bandage 120, as shown (thisarrangement at least herein embodying wherein such at least one wrapperfurther comprises at least one uniter structured and arranged to unitesuch at least one exudate-transporter and such at least oneexudate-absorber; and this arrangement at least herein embodying whereinsuch wrapper means comprises uniter means for uniting suchexudate-transporter means and such exudate-absorber means). Upon readingthis specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will nowappreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, structural requirements,manufacture preference, available materials, wound type, wound site,etc., other bandage layer arrangements, such as, for example, morelayers, fewer layers, etc., may suffice.

Body layer 124 and outer layer 128 preferably are made from the samematerial. In use, body layer 124 of bandage 120 preferably is in contactwith the skin of patient 102. Alternately preferably, outer layer 128 ofbandage 120 preferably contacts the skin of patient 102. Body layer 124(at least herein embodying wherein such at least one wrapper comprisesat least one exudate-transporter structured and arranged to transport atleast one body exudate away from the at least one wound and at least onewound site surrounding the at least one wound; and at least hereinembodying wherein such at least one exudate-transporter furthercomprises at least one perspiration-transporter structured and arrangedto transport perspiration away from such at least one skin portionwrapped by such at least one wrapper; and at least herein embodyingwherein such wrapper means comprises exudate-transporter means fortransporting at least one body exudate away from the at least one woundand at least one wound site surrounding the at least one wound; and atleast herein embodying wherein such at least one exudate-transportercomprises at least one flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistflow of such at least one body exudate away from the at least one woundand such at least one wound site) and outer layer 128 preferablycomprise at least one material with wicking properties for removing orwithdrawing water-based wound exudates and/or perspiration away from awound site and/or for assisting delivering at least one healing agent toa wound site. The above described arrangement at least herein embodieswherein such exudate-transporter comprises at least one first-exudatetransporter and at least one second-exudate transporter each structuredand arranged to transport such at least one body exudate away from theat least one wound and such at least one wound site surrounding the atleast one wound.

Materials with wicking properties, as described herein, refers tomaterials which are capable of transporting liquids, preferablywater-based liquids, away from a wet surface in which they are incontact. Furthermore, materials with wicking properties, as describedherein, preferably do not retain such water based-liquids unlesssaturated. Furthermore, body layer 124 and outer layer 128 preferablyare comprised of at least one elastomeric material which preferablylends elasticity (stretch-ability) to body layer 124 and outer layer128.

Suitable materials for body layer 124 and outer layer 128 may comprise,for example, polyamide-based materials, polyurethane materials,polyurethane foams, other foam-based dressings, polyester-basedmaterials, or other natural or synthetic fibers. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, manufacturer preference, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., othermaterials with wicking properties, such as, for example, other naturalor synthetic fibers, mixtures of materials with wicking properties,woven fabrics, etc., may suffice.

Body layer 124, if in contact with the skin of patient 102, preferablywicks wound exudates and/or perspiration away from the skin of patient102 (this arrangement at least embodying herein at least one firstunidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistunidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from the at leastone wound to such at least one first exudate-transporter). Furthermore,body layer 124 preferably transports wound exudates and/or perspirationto inner layer 126 (this arrangement at least embodying herein at leastone intermediate unidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged toassist unidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from suchat least one first exudate-transporter to such at least oneexudate-absorber).

Inner layer 126 preferably comprises a material with stretch potentialwhich preferably does not inhibit the ability of body layer 124 andouter layer 128 to stretch. In addition, inner layer 126 (at leastherein embodying wherein such at least one wrapper further comprises atleast one exudate-absorber structured and arranged to absorb such atleast one body exudate transported away from the at least one wound andsuch at least one wound site by such at least one exudate-transporter;and at least herein embodying wherein such wrapper means comprisesexudate-absorber means for absorbing such at least one body exudatetransported away from the at least one wound and such at least one woundsite by such exudate-transporter means) preferably is made from anabsorbent material that is capable of collecting wound exudates and/orperspiration that are wicked away from the skin or wound site by bodylayer 124 (or outer layer 128). Absorbent materials, as describedherein, refers to materials which have the property of absorbingliquids, preferably water-based liquids, and preferably have thecapacity to retain such liquids until reaching saturation. Suitablematerials for inner layer 126 preferably may comprise, for example,materials comprising cotton, gauze-like materials, alginate materials,polyester materials, hydrocolloid materials, cellulose-based materials,or materials comprising natural or synthetic absorbent polymers orfabrics. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill inthe art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preference,manufacturer preference, structural requirements, available materials,technological advances, etc., other material arrangements, such as, forexample, cotton pads, other natural or synthetic materials, etc., maysuffice.

As inner layer 126 reaches its capacity for storage of wound exudatesand/or perspiration, excess wound exudates preferably are drawn awayfrom inner layer 126 by the wicking action of outer layer 128 accordingto flow direction 118, as shown (this arrangement at least embodyingherein at least one second unidirectional-flow-assistor structured andarranged to assist unidirectional flow of such at least one body exudatefrom such at least one exudate-absorber to such at least onesecond-exudate transporter). Wound exudates and perspiration collectedby outer layer 128 preferably are transported to outer surface 125 ofouter layer 128 according to flow direction 118, as shown (thisarrangement at least embodying herein at least one thirdunidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistunidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from such at leastone second exudate-transporter to at least one outer surface of such atleast one wrapper). Alternately preferably, an additional absorbentlayer may be introduced over outer layer 128 in order to collect woundexudates and to prevent the spilling of wound exudates out of bandage120.

The accumulation of wound exudates and/or perspiration on outer surface125 of outer layer 128 preferably is detectable by the naked-eye,signaling to patient 102 or to at least one caretaker of patient 102 toreplace bandage 120 (this arrangement at least herein embodying whereinsuch at least one wrapper further comprises at least oneexudate-accumulation-indicator structured and arranged to indicateaccumulation of such at least one body exudate on at least one outersurface of such at least one wrapper). In addition, such accumulation ofwound exudates and/or perspiration on outer surface 125 of outer layer128 preferably allows patient 102 or at least one caretaker to identifyconditions which cause normal hemodynamic parameters to be compromised,such as hemorrhaging or infections, which may otherwise be undetectablewhen masked by a medical dressing or bandage (this arrangement at leastherein embodying wherein such at least oneexudate-accumulation-indicator comprises at least onehemorrhage-indicator structured and arranged to indicate hemorrhaging ofsuch at least one vertebrate life form). This arrangement preferablyallows for quicker medical intervention in such situations.

FIG. 2C shows a sectional view, through the section 2C-2C of FIG. 2A,illustrating the dispersion of at least one chemical alert substance 130throughout bandage 120, according to an alternately preferred embodimentof the present invention. Chemical alert substance 130 preferably isused with medical dressing 103 preferably at least when quick alert ofhealing problems is critical, such as during post-operative conditions.Chemical alert substance 130 preferably identifies the type of woundexudates being wicked away from a wound site and absorbed by bandage120. Chemical alert substance 130 (at least embodying herein at leastone exudate-identifier structured and arranged to identify such at leastone body exudate as at least one body exudate species) preferablyassists to identify wound exudates as at least one of the following:blood; gastric fluids; serous fluids; purulent fluids; lymph fluids; or,other bodily waste products.

Chemical alert substance 130 (at least embodying herein at least onedetectable-signal-generator structured and arranged to generate at leastone detectable signal in response to such at least one body exudate)preferably comprises chemical identifiers that respond to one or moreexudates such as, for example, blood, gastric fluids, serous fluids,purulent fluids, lymph fluids, or other biological waste products withat least one detectable signal. Such at least one detectable signalpreferably comprises at least one color change, alternately preferablyat least one visual indication detectable by the naked-eye, alternatelypreferably at least one fluorescence change. Chemical alert substance130 preferably responds to each of the above described wound exudates bydisplaying such at least one detectable signal, preferably at least onedistinct detectable signal for each of the above-described woundexudates (this arrangement at least herein embodying wherein such atleast one exudate-identifier comprises at least onedistinct-signal-generator structured and arranged to generate at leastone distinct such at least one detectable signal correlated with such atleast one body exudate species). This arrangement preferably allowspatient 102 or a caretaker of patient 102 to identify the type(s) ofwound exudates being released based on the resulting color change orother visual indication observed on bandage 120. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, manufacturer preference, structuralrequirements, available materials, wound type, wound site, technologicaladvances, etc., other detecting arrangements for detection of woundexudates, such as, for example, texture changes, electrical signals,heat signals, etc., may suffice.

Chemical alert substance 130 preferably is evenly dispersed throughoutbandage 120, as shown in FIG. 2C. Alternately preferably, chemical alertsubstance 130 preferably comprises at least one coating on at least oneouter surface 125 of bandage 120. Alternately preferably, chemical alertsubstance 130 preferably is localized in a single layer 117 of bandage120. Alternately preferably, chemical alert substance 130 preferably islocalized in at least one portion of at least one layer 117 of bandage120.

Chemical alert substance 130 preferably comprises a non-toxic substancewhich does not disturb any of the preferred properties of bandage 120described herein, such as, elasticity, absorbent properties, wickingproperties, or hypoallergenic properties. Chemical alert substance 130preferably comprises at least one liquid, gel, or solid chemical capableof displaying at least one detectable signal in response to the varioustypes of wound exudates described above. Suitable substances forchemical alert substance 130, may comprise, for example, phenolthalein,luminol, or a chemical alert substance sold under the trademarkBlueStar® Forensic. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinaryskill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreference, manufacturer preference, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other natural or syntheticchemicals, non-toxic chromophores, non-toxic fluorophores, etc., maysuffice.

FIG. 3A shows a front view, illustrating pocket 140 of medical dressing103, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3B shows arear view, illustrating pocket 140 of medical dressing 103, accordingthe preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Pocket 140 preferably is structuredand arranged to contain at least one surgical drain assembly 160, asshown FIG. 1 and as discussed above. Alternately preferably, pocket 140preferably is structured and arranged to contain at least one othermedical care item, as discussed above. Pocket 140 preferably isreleasably attached to bandage 120. Pocket 140 preferably is attached ata user-selectable position of bandage 120. Pocket 140 preferablycomprises sealed edges 146 and at least one opening 150, as shown.Opening 150 preferably provides a passage to pocket portion 148, asshown. Opening 150 preferably provides access to the interior of pocketportion 148, as shown.

The geometry of pocket 140 preferably is square, alternately preferablyrectangular, alternately preferably round, alternately preferablycircular. Pocket 140 preferably comprises dimensions capable ofcontaining drain 162 of surgical drain assembly 160 (see FIG. 1) or atleast one healing agent. Upon reading this specification, those withordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering such issues as design preference, userpreference, manufacturer preference, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other pocket dimensionarrangements, such as, for example, other dimensions capable ofcontaining other medical care items, etc., may suffice.

Pocket 140 preferably is comprised of at least one hand-washable ormachine-washable material. Pocket 140 preferably is comprised of thesame material as bandage 120. Upon reading this specification, thosewith ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, manufacturer preference, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other materialarrangements, such as, for example, other natural or syntheticmaterials, disposable materials, biodegradable materials, etc., maysuffice.

Pocket 140 preferably comprises at least one securing strip 152 (atleast herein embodying wherein such at least one container comprises atleast one third fastener structured and arranged to fasten such at leastone container to such at least one wrapper at at least one user-selectedlocation), preferably two securing strips 152, as shown. Securing strips152 preferably are located on at least one back side 144 of pocket 140,as shown in FIG. 3B. Alternately preferably, securing strips 152 arelocated around the perimeter of backside 144. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, manufacturer preference, structuralrequirements, available materials, etc., other securing striparrangements, such as, for example, more than two securing strips,placement of a single securing strip in the center of the pocket,multiple securing strips, etc., may suffice.

Securing strips 152 preferably are structured and arranged to securepocket 140 to bandage 120, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3C. Securingstrips 152 preferably comprise at least one material capable of matingwith at least one outer surface 125 of bandage 120. More particularly,securing strips 152 preferably function as a hook material capable ofmating with a loop material of such at least one outer surface 125 ofbandage 120. Alternately preferably, securing strips 152 preferablyfunction as a loop material capable of mating with a hook material ofouter layer 128 of bandage 120. Upon reading this specification, thosewith ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, user needs, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other fastening arrangements,such as, for example, clips, clasps, adhesive tape, pins, incorporationof hook and loop fasteners on bandage 120, other fasteners, etc., maysuffice.

FIG. 3C shows a sectional view, through the section 3C-3C of FIG. 3A,illustrating attachment of pocket 140 to bandage 120 with securingstrips 152, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3C,pocket 140 is shown supporting surgical drain assembly 160. Pocket 140preferably supports drain 162 of surgical drain assembly 160, with draintubing 164 preferably projecting from pocket portion 148 through opening150, as shown. Drain 162 preferably is supported in pocket portion 148of pocket 140, as shown. Pocket 140 preferably is attached to outersurface 125 of bandage 120 using securing strips 152, as shown.

FIG. 4A shows a front view, illustrating first wrapping step 202 ofwrapping technique 200 of medical dressing systems 100, according to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows a rearview, illustrating first wrapping step 202 of wrapping technique 200 ofmedical dressing systems 100, according the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1. Wrapping technique 200 is preferably accomplished by at leastone caretaker of patient 102, alternately preferably by patient 102.Wrapping technique 200 preferably comprises a specific technique forwrapping bandage 120 radially with respect to central axis X preferablyrunning vertically through the center of patient 102, as shown. Wrappingtechnique 200 preferably is adapted for wrapping bandage 120 aroundtorso 110 of patient 102 to form chest-wrap arrangement 105, as shown inFIG. 1. The resulting chest-wrap arrangement 105 preferably provideswound management, preferably post-mastectomy wound management. Thebenefits of chest-wrap arrangement 105 for post-mastectomy woundmanagement have been described in detail above. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as userpreference, user needs, etc., other types of wounds, such as, forexample, other post-operative surgical wounds, post-operative cosmeticsurgery wounds, sports injuries, bone injuries, muscle injuries, burns,inflammations, etc., may suffice. Upon reading this specification, thosewith ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, user needs, structural requirements, availablematerials, etc., other wrapping techniques may suffice.

First wrapping step 202 preferably is accomplished by firmly wrappingbandage 120 over lower abdominal region 151 of patient 102, as shown inFIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. Such firm wrapping of bandage 120 preferablycomprises applying sufficient external force to maintain the integrityof sutures or incision lines, while preferably minimally interferingwith the comfort, mobility, blood circulation, and breathability ofpatient 102.

First wrapping step 202 preferably commences by approximately aligningat least one loose end 175 of bandage 120 preferably along start edge104 located on ventral side 172 of patient 102, as shown in FIG. 4A(this arrangement at least embodying herein placing at least one firstterminal edge of the at least one medical dressing above at least oneumbilicus area located on at least one abdominal region of the at leastone vertebrate life form; and this arrangement at least embodying hereinaligning such at least one first terminal edge of the at least onemedical dressing parallel to at least one vertical axis running parallelto at least one sagittal plane running vertically through the center ofthe at least one vertebrate life form). Start edge 104 preferably islocated above umbilicus area 176 and preferably lies parallel to centralaxis X, as shown. Bandage 120 preferably is wrapped around lowerabdominal region 151 with first securing member 132 oriented away frompatient 102 and not in contact with the skin of patient 102, as shown.Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the artwill now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as design preference, user preference, user needs, woundsite, wound type, patient body type, etc., other starting locations forwrapping technique 200 may suffice.

First wrapping step 202 preferably further comprises continuing firmlywrapping bandage 120, radially with respect to central axis X,approximately horizontally across lower abdominal region 151 accordingto first wrapping direction 106, as shown (this arrangement at leastembodying herein firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross such at least one abdominal region and toward at least one dorsalside of the at least one torso region; and this arrangement at leastembodying herein firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross at least one the first body section). First wrapping step 202preferably further comprises continuing wrapping bandage 120, radiallywith respect to central axis X, preferably horizontally across lowerback 180 located on dorsal side 174 of patient 102, as shown in FIG. 4B(this arrangement at least embodying herein continuing firmly wrappingthe at least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such atleast one vertical axis, horizontally across at least one lower backregion and towards at least one ventral side of the at least one torsoregion; and this arrangement at least embodying herein continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, horizontally across the at least onesecond body section).

First wrapping step 202 preferably further comprises continuing firmlywrapping bandage 120, radially with respect to central axis X,preferably horizontally across lower abdominal region 151, preferablycreating at least one complete turn of bandage 120 around lower torso153 of patient 102, as shown in FIG. 4A (this arrangement at leastembodying herein continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,horizontally across such at least one abdominal region, completing atleast one complete turn of the at least one medical dressing around atleast one lower torso region of the at least one vertebrate life form;and this arrangement at least embodying herein continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, horizontally across such at least onefirst body section, creating at least one complete turn around the atleast one body part). Bandage 120 preferably is secured with firstsecuring member 132 (at least herein embodying wherein such at least onefastener comprises at least one first fastener structured and arrangedto fasten such at least one wrapper in at least one intermediate wrappedarrangement) (or second securing member 134) at first fastening position170, as shown.

According to first wrapping step 202, bandage 120 preferably is fastenedat first fastening position 170 using at least one hook and loop matingarrangement, wherein first securing member 132 preferably functions as ahook fastener and bandage 120 preferably functions as a loop fastener(this arrangement at least embodying herein fastening the at least onemedical dressing, with at least one first fastener, at at least onefirst fastening position situate about such at least one first terminaledge; and this arrangement at least embodying herein fastening the atleast one medical dressing at at least one first fastening position,situate about above such at least one umbilicus area, with at least onefirst fastener). First fastening position 170 preferably is locatedapproximately along start edge 104 above umbilicus area 176, as shown.Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the artwill now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringsuch issues as design preference, user preference, user needs,structural requirements, available materials, technological advances,etc., other fastening arrangements, such as, for example, clips, clasps,adhesive tape, pins, other hook and loop fastening arrangements, otherfasteners, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 5A shows a front view, illustrating second wrapping step 204 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.FIG. 5B shows a rear view, illustrating second wrapping step 204 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.Second wrapping step 204 preferably follows first wrapping step 202 (seeFIG. 4A and FIG. 4B). Second wrapping step 204 preferably comprisescontinuing firmly wrapping bandage 120 from first fastening position 170around torso 110 of patient 102, radially with respect to central axisX, as shown. Second wrapping step 204 preferably comprises wrappingbandage 120 upward from first fastening position 170 at angle Q1 overleft breast area 178 according to second wrapping direction 108, asshown. Angle Q1 preferably slopes upward (relative to horizontal) towardthe left (from the point of view of patient 102) at an angle of betweenabout forty degrees to about fifty degrees, preferably forty-fivedegrees, as shown (this arrangement at least embodying herein continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from aboutforty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least one firstfastening position across the at least one first body section). Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, wound type,wound site, patient body type, etc., other bandage wrappingarrangements, such as, for example, other angles, wrapping in theopposite direction, etc., may suffice.

Second wrapping step 204 preferably further comprises continuing firmlywrapping bandage 120 under left arm 182 and below left axilla 184, asshown. Second wrapping step 204 preferably further comprises continuingfirmly wrapping bandage 120, radially with respect to central axis X,horizontally across upper back 186 located on dorsal side 174, accordingto second wrapping direction 108, as shown in FIG. 5B (this arrangementat least embodying herein continuing firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, horizontally across the at least one second body section). Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, wound type,wound site, patient body type, etc., other bandage wrappingarrangements, such as, for example, wrapping across other regions of theback, wrapping in the opposite direction, etc., may suffice.

Second wrapping step 204 preferably further comprises continuing firmlywrapping bandage 120, radially with respect to central axis X, underright arm 188, below right axilla 190, and toward ventral side 172 oftorso 110, according to second wrapping direction 108, as shown in FIG.5A.

FIG. 6A shows a front view, illustrating third wrapping step 206 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.FIG. 6B shows a rear view, illustrating third wrapping step 206 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.Third wrapping step 206 preferably follows second wrapping step 204 (seeFIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). Third wrapping step 206 preferably comprisescontinuing firmly wrapping bandage 120 around torso 110 of patient 102,radially with respect to central axis X, as shown. Third wrapping step206 preferably comprises continuing wrapping bandage 120 downward(relative to horizontal) from under right axilla 190 at an angle ofbetween about thirty degrees to about fifty degrees across ventral side172 and over right breast area 192, according to third wrappingdirection 109, as shown (this arrangement at least embodying hereincontinuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle offrom about thirty degrees to about fifty degrees across the at least onefirst body section).

Once bandage 120 preferably has approximately reached transverse plane115, bandage 120 preferably is wrapped horizontally across middle back194 of dorsal side 174, according to third wrapping direction 109, asbest shown in FIG. 6B (this arrangement at least embodying hereincontinuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontally across theat least one second body section). Following such wrapping of bandage120 across middle back 194, third wrapping step 206 preferably furthercomprises wrapping bandage 120 under right arm 188 towards ventral side172, according to third wrapping direction 109, as shown in FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill inthe art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preference, userneeds, wound type, wound site, patient body type, etc., other bandagewrapping arrangements, such as, for example, other wrapping angles,wrapping across other regions of the back, wrapping in the oppositedirection, etc., may suffice.

After completion of first wrapping step 202, second wrapping step 204,and third wrapping step 206 according to the steps illustrated in FIG.4A through FIG. 6B, lower back 180, middle back 194, and upper back 186preferably will have each been covered by one at least one layer ofbandage 120, as best shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A shows a front view, illustrating fourth wrapping step 208 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.FIG. 7B shows a rear view, illustrating fourth wrapping step 208 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.Fourth wrapping step 208 preferably follows third wrapping step 206 (seeFIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). Fourth wrapping step 208 preferably comprisescontinuing firmly wrapping bandage 120 around torso 110 of patient 102,radially with respect to central axis X, as shown. Fourth wrapping step208 preferably comprises wrapping bandage 120 upward across ventral side172 at an angle Q3 according to fourth wrapping direction 111, as shown(this arrangement at least embodying herein continuing firmly wrappingthe at least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such atleast one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from about forty degreesto about fifty degrees across the at least one first body section).During such wrapping, bandage 120 preferably is wrapped under rightbreast area 192, across left breast area 178, and under left axilla 184,as shown. Angle Q3 preferably slopes upward (from horizontal) toward theleft (from the point of view of patient 102) at an angle of betweenabout thirty degrees to about fifty degrees, preferably forty-fivedegrees, as shown in FIG. 7A. Upon reading this specification, thosewith ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, user needs, wound type, wound site, patient body type,etc., other bandage wrapping arrangements, such as, for example, otherwrapping angles, wrapping in a the opposing direction, etc., maysuffice.

Following the wrapping steps illustrated in FIG. 7A, fourth wrappingstep 208 preferably further comprises continuing firmly wrapping bandage120 preferably horizontally across at least a portion of upper back 186according to fourth wrapping direction 111, as shown in FIG. 7B (thisarrangement at least embodying herein continuing firmly wrapping the atleast on medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across the at least one second bodysection). Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill inthe art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preference, userneeds, wound type, wound site, patient body type, etc., other bandagewrapping arrangements, such as, for example, wrapping other regions ofthe back, wrapping the opposing direction, etc., may suffice.

After completion of forth wrapping step 208, at least a portion of upperback 186 preferably is covered by at least two layers of bandage 120, asshown.

FIG. 8A shows a front view, illustrating fifth wrapping step 210 ofwrapping technique 200, according the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.FIG. 8B shows a rear view, illustrating fifth wrapping step 210 ofwrapping technique 200, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.Fifth wrapping step 210 preferably follows fourth wrapping step 208 (seeFIG. 7A and FIG. 7B). Fifth wrapping step 210 preferably comprisescontinuing firmly wrapping bandage 208 around torso 110 of patient 102,radially with respect to central axis X, as shown. Fifth wrapping step210 preferably comprises wrapping bandage 120 downward (relative tohorizontal) from under right axilla 190 at an angle of between aboutthirty degrees to about fifty degrees across ventral side 172, accordingto fifth wrapping direction 113, as shown (this arrangement at leastembodying herein continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,downward at an angle of from about thirty degrees to about fifty degreesacross the at least one first body section). During such wrapping,bandage 120 preferably is wrapped over right breast area 192 untilpreferably reaching approximately transverse plane 115, as shown. Uponreading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willnow appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering suchissues as design preference, user preference, user needs, wound type,wound site, patient body type, etc., other bandage wrappingarrangements, such as, for example, other wrapping angles, othertermination points, wrapping in the opposite direction, etc., maysuffice.

According to fifth wrapping step 210, bandage 120 preferably is furtherwrapped toward dorsal side 174 of patient 102, as shown in FIG. 8B. Uponreaching transverse plane 115, or upon reaching at least one terminationpoint 127 of bandage 120, bandage 120 preferably is secured in positionusing second securing member 134 (at least embodying herein at least onefastener structured and arranged to fasten such at least one wrapper inat least one wrapped arrangement; and at least herein embodying whereinsuch at least one fastener further comprises at least one secondfastener structured and arranged to fasten such at least one wrapper inat least one final wrapped arrangement) (or first securing member 132).The above described arrangement at least embodies herein fastening atleast one second terminal edge of the at least one medical dressing withat least one second fastener on the at least one wrapped arrangement.

Bandage 120 preferably is secured in position using at least one hookand loop mating arrangement, wherein second securing member 134preferably functions as a hook fastener and bandage 120 preferablyfunctions as a loop fastener. Upon reading this specification, thosewith ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preference, user needs, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other fastening arrangements,such as, for example, clips, clasps, adhesive tape, pins, other hook andloop fastening arrangements, other hook and loop fastening arrangements,other fasteners, etc., may suffice.

Depending on the actual dimensions of torso 110 of patient 102 and theactual length of bandage 120, bandage 120 may be too short to fullycomplete fifth wrapping step 210 such that bandage 120 must be securedwith second securing member 134 on ventral side 172 of patient 102.Alternatively, after completing fifth wrapping step 210, bandage 120 maybe in excess such that bandage 120 must be secured with second securingmember 134 on dorsal side 174 or further wrapped around patient 102until reaching termination point 127, at which point bandage 120preferably is secured with second securing member 134. The completion offifth wrapping step 210 preferably generates chest-wrap arrangement 105,as shown.

Although wrapping technique 200 is described and illustrated in FIG. 4Athrough FIG. 8B by wrapping bandage 120 in a counterclockwise directionaround torso 110 of patient 102 (when viewed from above patient 102),wrapping technique 200 preferably may also be effective if wrapping isperformed in the opposite orientation or a clockwise direction aroundtorso 110 (when viewed from above patient 102). Depending on the woundsite, wound type, and body type of patient 102, wrapping technique 200may be more effective for wound management by wrapping bandage 120around torso 110 in a counterclockwise direction or by wrapping bandage120 around torso 110 in a clockwise direction. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, user needs, wound type, wound site, etc.,other variations of wrapping technique 200, such as, for example, otherwrapping angles, other termination points, repeating multiple cycles ofeach of the above described illustrated wrapping steps, performing fewerthan all of the above described and illustrated wrapping steps, adaptingwrapping technique 200 for other regions of the body, incorporatingwrapping steps to introduce appendage sleeves, circular wrappingmethods, incorporating wrapping steps to wrap limbs, incorporatingwrapping steps to wrap the neck, etc., may suffice.

FIG. 9 shows perspective views, illustrating wound management kit 300 ofmedical dressing systems 100, according the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1. Wound management kit 300 preferably comprises a kit for woundmanagement and instructions for use. Wound management kit 300 preferablycomprises at least one bandage 120 preferably wrapped in at least onecompact arrangement, as shown. Wound management kit 300 preferablyfurther comprises at least one pocket 140, alternately preferably atleast one plurality of pockets 140, as shown. Each pocket 140 in woundmanagement kit 300 preferably comprises at least one compartment 143preferably structured and arranged to store at least one surgical drainassembly 160 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 9) or at least one other medical careitem. Alternately preferably, each pocket 140 comprises at least oneplurality of compartments 143, as shown. Pockets 140 preferably arestructured and arranged to fasten to any user-selected position ofbandage 120, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3C.

Wound management kit 300 preferably further comprises at least oneinstruction manual 302 (at least embodying herein at least oneinstruction set providing at least one set of instructions for usingsuch at least one medical dressing), as shown. Instruction manual 302preferably comprises information and instruction for use of medicaldressing system 100 for patient 102, healthcare professionals,caretakers, and/or any individual requiring wound management assistance.Instruction manual 302 preferably further comprises instructions forwrapping wounds, preferably comprising wrapping technique 200 (see FIG.4A through FIG. 8B), and/or other suitable wound wrapping techniqueswhich may vary depending on the wound type, wound location, and the bodytype of patient 102. Instruction manual 302 preferably comprises atleast on paper booklet 303, alternately preferably at least one digitalmedia 306, as shown. Digital media 306 preferably comprises at least oneaudio-file, alternatively preferably at least one video file,alternately preferably at least one audio-video file. Digital media 306preferably comprises at least one compact-disc (CD) or at least onedigital video disc (DVD). Alternately preferably, instruction manual 302is located on at least one website accessible through internet 310 by atleast one internet-enabled device 312, as shown. Upon reading thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciatethat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preference, user needs, manufacturer preference,technological advances, etc., other instruction arrangements, such as,for example, instructions stored on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive,mobile device readable files, other digital files, etc., may suffice.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments ofthis invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of thisinvention includes modifications, such as, diverse shapes, sizes,colors, designs, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the belowclaims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, manyother advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

What is claimed is: 1) A system, relating to providing injury care forat least one wound located on at least one body part of at least onevertebrate life form, comprising: a) at least one wrapper structured andarranged to wrap the at least one wound and the at least one body part;and b) wherein said at least one wrapper comprises at least oneexudate-transporter structured and arranged to transport at least onebody exudate away from the at least one wound and at least one woundsite surrounding the at least one wound; c) wherein said at least onewrapper further comprises at least one exudate-absorber structured andarranged to absorb such at least one body exudate transported away fromthe at least one wound and such at least one wound site by said at leastone exudate-transporter; d) wherein said at least one wrapper furthercomprises torso-wrapability; e) wherein said at least one wrapperfurther comprises at least one uniter structured and arranged to unitesaid at least one exudate-transporter and said at least oneexudate-absorber; f) wherein said at least one wrapper, when wrappedaround the at least one wound and the at least one body part, providesinjury care to the at least one wound. 2) The system, according to claim1, wherein said exudate-transporter comprises at least one first-exudatetransporter and at least one second-exudate transporter each structuredand arranged to transport such at least one body exudate away from theat least one wound and such at least one wound site surrounding the atleast one wound. 3) The system, according to claim 1, further comprisingat least one detectable-signal-generator structured and arranged togenerate at least one detectable signal in response to such at least onebody exudate. 4) The system, according to claim 3, further comprising:a) at least one exudate-identifier structured and arranged to identifysuch at least one body exudate as at least one body exudate species; b)wherein said at least one exudate-identifier comprises at least onedistinct-signal-generator structured and arranged to generate at leastone distinct such at least one detectable signal correlated with such atleast one body exudate species. 5) The system, according to claim 3,wherein such at least one detectable signal comprises at least onevisual indication detectable by the naked-eye. 6) The system, accordingto claim 3, wherein such at least one visual indication comprises atleast one color change. 7) The system, according to claim 1, whereinsaid at least one wrapper further comprises at least onestretch-potential-provider structured and arranged to provide stretchpotential to said at least one wrapper. 8) The system, according toclaim 7, wherein said at least one stretch-potential-provider is furtherstructured and arranged to permit at least resting-state breathabilityto the at least one vertebrate life form, when said at least one wrapperis wrapped around at least one torso region of the at least onevertebrate life form. 9) The system, according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one healing-agent-deliverer structured and arrangedto deliver at least one healing agent from at least one outer surface ofsaid at least one wrapper to the at least one wound. 10) The system,according to claim 1, wherein said at least one exudate-transportercomprises at least one flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistflow of such at least one body exudate away from the at least one woundand such at least one wound site. 11) The system, according to claim 10,wherein said at least one flow-assistor comprises: a) at least one firstunidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistunidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from the at leastone wound to said at least one first exudate-transporter; b) at leastone intermediate unidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged toassist unidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from saidat least one first exudate-transporter to said at least oneexudate-absorber; c) at least one second unidirectional-flow-assistorstructured and arranged to assist unidirectional flow of such at leastone body exudate from said at least one exudate-absorber to said atleast one second-exudate transporter; and d) at least one thirdunidirectional-flow-assistor structured and arranged to assistunidirectional flow of such at least one body exudate from said at leastone second exudate-transporter to at least one outer surface of said atleast one wrapper. 12) The system, according to claim 10, furthercomprising at least one adhesion-preventer structured and arranged toassist preventing at least one adhesion event between said at least onewrapper and the at least one wound. 13) The system, according to claim12, wherein said at least one adhesion-preventer further comprises atleast one skin-adhesion preventer structured and arranged to assistpreventing at least one adhesion event between said at least one wrapperand at least one skin portion of the at least one vertebrate life formwrapped by said at least one wrapper. 14) The system, according to claim12, wherein said at least one exudate-transporter further comprises atleast one perspiration-transporter structured and arranged to transportperspiration away from such at least one skin portion wrapped by said atleast one wrapper. 15) The system, according to claim 14, furthercomprising at least one force-applier structured and arranged to applyforce to the at least one body part wrapped by said at least onewrapper. 16) The system, according to claim 15, wherein said at leastone force-applier comprises at least one suture-maintainer structuredand arranged to assist maintaining the integrity of at least one suturewrapped by said at least one wrapper. 17) The system, according to claim16, wherein said at least one wrapper further comprises at least oneexudate-accumulation-indicator structured and arranged to indicateaccumulation of such at least one body exudate on at least one outersurface of said at least one wrapper. 18) A kit, relating to providinginjury care for at least one wound located on at least one body part ofat least one vertebrate life form, comprising: a) at least one medicaldressing structured and arranged to wrap the at least one wound locatedon the at least one body part; b) at least one instruction set providingat least one set of instructions for using said at least one medicaldressing; c) wherein said at least one medical dressing comprises i) atleast one first exudate-transporter structured and arranged to transportat least one body exudate away from the at least one wound and at leastone wound site surrounding the at least one wound, ii) at least oneexudate-absorber structured and arranged to absorb such at least onebody exudate away from such at least one first exudate-transporter, iii)at least one second exudate-transporter structured and arranged totransport such at least one exudate away from such at least oneexudate-absorber, and iv) torso-wrapability; d) wherein said at leastone medical dressing, when wrapped around the at least one body part inat least one wrapped arrangement, provides injury care to the at leastone wound. 19) The kit, according to claim 18, wherein said at least oneinstruction set describes a method, relating to wrapping the at leastone wound in such at least one wrapped arrangement, comprising the stepsof: a) placing at least one first terminal edge of the at least onemedical dressing above at least one umbilicus area located on at leastone abdominal region of the at least one vertebrate life form; b)aligning such at least one first terminal edge of the at least onemedical dressing parallel to at least one vertical axis running parallelto at least one sagittal plane running vertically through the center ofthe at least one vertebrate life form; c) firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across such at least one abdominal regionand toward at least one dorsal side of the at least one torso region; d)continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontally across atleast one lower back region and towards at least one ventral side of theat least one torso region; e) continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across such at least one abdominal region,completing at least one complete turn of the at least one medicaldressing around at least one lower torso region of the at least onevertebrate life form; f) fastening the at least one medical dressing atat least one first fastening position, situate about above such at leastone umbilicus area, with at least one first fastener; g) continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from aboutforty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least one firstfastening position and across at least one breast portion of the atleast one vertebrate life form; h) continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onvertical axis, under at least one axilla of the at least one vertebratelife form, and toward such at least one dorsal side; i) continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, horizontally across at least oneupper back portion of the at least one vertebrate life form; j)continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, under at least oneopposing axilla of the at least one vertebrate life form and toward suchat least one ventral side; k) continuing firmly wrapping the at leastone medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, downward at an angle of from about thirty degrees toabout fifty degrees from such at least one opposing axilla, across atleast one opposing breast portion of the at least one vertebrate lifeform, and towards such at least one dorsal side; l) continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, horizontally across at least one middleback portion of the at least one vertebrate life form and toward such atleast one ventral side; m) continuing firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, upward at an angle of from about forty degrees to about fiftydegrees from under such at least one opposing breast portion and acrosssuch at least one breast portion; n) continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, under such at least one axilla and toward such at leastone dorsal side; o) continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,horizontally across such at least one upper back portion; p) continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, under such at least one opposingaxilla and towards such at least one ventral side; q) continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle of from aboutthirty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least one opposingaxilla, across such at least opposing breast portion, and towards suchat least one dorsal side; and r) fastening at least one second terminaledge of the at least one medical dressing, with at least one secondfastener, at at least one second fastening position located on the atleast one wrapped arrangement situate about such at least one lowertorso region; s) wherein the at least one wrapped arrangement, formed bythe method, provides mechanical force to compress the at least one woundcovered by the at least one wrapped arrangement to assist healing of theat least one wound, while maintaining the mobility and breathability ofthe at least one vertebrate life form. 20) A method, relating towrapping at least one wound, located on at least one torso region of atleast one vertebrate life form, with at least one medical dressing in atleast one wrapped arrangement, comprising the steps of: a) placing atleast one first terminal edge of the at least one medical dressing aboveat least one umbilicus area located on at least one abdominal region ofthe at least one vertebrate life form; b) aligning such at least onefirst terminal edge of the at least one medical dressing parallel to atleast one vertical axis running parallel to at least one sagittal planerunning vertically through the center of the at least one vertebratelife form; c) firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross such at least one abdominal region and toward at least one dorsalside of the at least one torso region; d) continuing firmly wrapping theat least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at leastone vertical axis, horizontally across at least one lower back regionand towards at least one ventral side of the at least one torso region;e) continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross such at least one abdominal region, completing at least onecomplete turn of the at least one medical dressing around at least onelower torso region of the at least one vertebrate life form; f)fastening the at least one medical dressing at at least one firstfastening position, situate about above such at least one umbilicusarea, with at least one first fastener; g) continuing firmly wrappingthe at least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such atleast one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from about forty degreesto about fifty degrees from such at least one first fastening positionand across at least one breast portion of the at least one vertebratelife form; h) continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least on vertical axis, underat least one axilla of the at least one vertebrate life form, and towardsuch at least one dorsal side; i) continuing firmly wrapping the atleast one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at least onevertical axis, horizontally across at least one upper back portion ofthe at least one vertebrate life form; j) continuing firmly wrapping theat least one medical dressing, radially with respect to such at leastone vertical axis, under at least one opposing axilla of the at leastone vertebrate life form and toward such at least one ventral side; k)continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, downward at an angle offrom about thirty degrees to about fifty degrees from such at least oneopposing axilla, across at least one opposing breast portion of the atleast one vertebrate life form, and towards such at least one dorsalside; l) continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing,radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis, horizontallyacross at least one middle back portion of the at least one vertebratelife form and toward such at least one ventral side; m) continuingfirmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respectto such at least one vertical axis, upward at an angle of from aboutforty degrees to about fifty degrees from under such at least oneopposing breast portion and across such at least one breast portion; n)continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medical dressing, radiallywith respect to such at least one vertical axis, under such at least oneaxilla and toward such at least one dorsal side; o) continuing firmlywrapping the at least one medical dressing, radially with respect tosuch at least one vertical axis, horizontally across such at least oneupper back portion; p) continuing firmly wrapping the at least onemedical dressing, radially with respect to such at least one verticalaxis, under such at least one opposing axilla and towards such at leastone ventral side; q) continuing firmly wrapping the at least one medicaldressing, radially with respect to such at least one vertical axis,downward at an angle of from about thirty degrees to about fifty degreesfrom such at least one opposing axilla, across such at least opposingbreast portion, and towards such at least one dorsal side; and r)fastening at least one second terminal edge of the at least one medicaldressing, with at least one second fastener, at at least one secondfastening position located on the at least one wrapped arrangementsituate about such at least one lower torso region; s) wherein the atleast one wrapped arrangement, formed by the method, provides mechanicalforce to compress the at least one wound covered by the at least onewrapped arrangement to assist healing of the at least one wound, whilemaintaining the mobility and breathability of the at least onevertebrate life form.